The Mets have been expected to line up as one of Juan Soto’s primary suitors all winter, and after reaching out to agent Scott Boras on day one of the offseason, owner Steve Cohen is now set for an in-person visit with Soto and his agent in Southern California next week, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post. Of course, the Boras Corporation also represents key free agents like Pete Alonso, Corbin Burnes, Alex Bregman, Blake Snell, Sean Manaea, Yusei Kikuchi and Ha-Seong Kim. Whether Cohen and Boras will discuss any of those names — and whether any of those players will drop in for a sit-down with Cohen as well — remains unclear.
Little needs to be said about the potential fit for Soto in Queens. He’s among the game’s very best players and, as a free agent who’ll play next season at 26, he’s arguably the most coveted free agent since Alex Rodriguez reached the open market at the same age back in 2000. One could argue Shohei Ohtani as well, of course, but Ohtani hit the market at 29 and in the aftermath of an elbow surgery that would keep him off the mound or a full season.
The Mets, meanwhile, have one departing free agent outfielder (center fielder Harrison Bader), another who’s a free agent after next season (Starling Marte) and more than $100MM in free agent salaries coming off the books. Even with a full outfield, the Mets would likely be making a strong push for Soto. No team in MLB has a larger gap between their projected 2025 payroll and their 2024 payroll levels, nor does any team have a larger gap between their projected 2025 payroll and their all-time franchise-record payroll. Beyond that, Cohen is widely known as the wealthiest owner in the league. He’s a lifelong Mets fan who purchased the club as something of a passion project, and he immediately showed a willingness to put forth some of the largest payrolls of any team in major league history. The newly implemented fourth tier of luxury penalization is often colloquially referred to as the “Cohen tax.”
All that said, while an in-person meeting between the two parties is clearly of some significance, it’s not any indicator that there’s major traction toward a deal. Soto has heard from more than a third of the league, with even small-market clubs like the Rays reportedly doing their due diligence. It stands to reason that any club with serious interest is going to have an ownership meeting with Soto and Boras.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner reportedly had a private meeting with Soto over the summer. The Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays Nationals and others have all been mentioned as potential landing spots. Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com paints a reunion between Soto and his original organization as something of a long shot, but the Nats will presumably at least be on the periphery. Soto is such an uncommon free agent archetype that teams who’d normally never play for a free agent of this caliber could well throw their proverbial hats into the ring. A quick and decisive free agent process that’s resolved in mid-November feels quite unlikely.
For the Mets, Yankees and other serious bidders, however, getting an early feel for the market will be paramount. So much of any team’s offseason budget would be allocated to a Soto signing that his landing place — regardless of where it is — will have an immediate ripple effect on where those offseason dollars are spent. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if other owners, presidents of baseball operations, general managers, etc. traveled to meet with Soto and Boras in the next week or two, as the Boras Corporation feels out the early stages of interest and sets expectations for what most onlookers expect to be a historic contract — one that could set new standards in terms of net present value and average annual value (when factoring in for the deferrals on Ohtani’s contract).
And, as far as comparing Soto’s free agency to that of Ohtani, Boras unsurprisingly dismissed any such comparisons at this week’s GM Meetings and sought to put Soto in a tier unto himself. Via Puma, Boras had this to say about the comparison:
“I don’t think Ohtani has much to do with Juan Soto at all. It’s not something we discuss or consider. Juan Soto is in an age category that separates him from all. So comparability is not when you do these things for these young players.”
rct
Let the games begin!
padam
I see the Yanks retaining him in the end. He’s too important to Judge and makes that contract work as well. As much as I wouldn’t mind seeing him in RF at Citi Field, I think for a few million less he’s going to stick with what he now knows, a short RF to add to his legacy, and the pinstripes.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
I think he would be willing to take about 15 million less to stay with the Yankees, I mean they just made it to the World Series
But if cohen blows away the Yankees offers Soto will go to queens
Miken31
It’s pretty obvious the Yankees made the World Series because of a very weak American league. There’s about three or four teams in the National League better than the Yankees, including the Mets.
Fever Pitch Guy
sad – The Mets made it to the NLCS without Senga and the Dodgers won it all, so it’s not like Soto would have a much better chance of winning the WS with the Yankees.
VonPurpleHayes
The Mets have 13 Free Agents. I think Cohen will spend big and put out a competitor, but that Mets team is essentially over. It’ll be an entire new-look Mets in 2025. Also, the Mets play with the Braves and Phillies. Right now, that’s a much tougher division than the ALE. So the idea that the Mets will have more sustained success than the Yankees is hard to prove.
That being said, Soto is looking at a longterm deal. He’s already got a ring. He wants to get paid. So I think this one comes down to money. Which is why I have Soto as a Met.
Hurricane Sandy
And yet, the Mets just advanced farther than both of those teams. Add Soto and the Mets move forward with a core of Soto, Lindor, Nimmo, Vientos, Alvarez .. plus prospects like Acuna, Mauricio, Baty, Williams and others in the upper minors ready to contribute or available to utilize potentially for trades. There’s no reason to believe the Mets organization is on a downward trajectory. Quite the opposite, their plans are coming to fruition. Sounds kind of like wishful thinking from our competitors…
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Yeah I expect them to win the nl east next year
2024 was supposed to be their bridge year since they basically gave money for prospects (going to the nlcs in a bridge year is pretty good…)
And now 2025 is where the high priced vets meet the talented prospects
VonPurpleHayes
I don’t think you read my first point….The Mets team that advanced further than those teams is gone. I never said that they would be going on a downward trajectory. I think they’ll be spending huge on free agents. But you can’t assume the 2024 magic will continue because that roster is gone, whereas the Yankees have one of the most successful playoff streaks in baseball through multiple rosters. I still like the Mets going in 25. But I don’t think it’s fair to say that the Mets have a record of sustained success like the Yankees do.
Hurricane Sandy
Of course not. Ever since Cashman traded for Soto, I thought it was a brilliant move, because it would be hard for Soto to leave the Yankees organization after experiencing it. But given that he’s a Boras client, that they ultimately fell short, and that the Mets really are set up for success during his prime years, I really do expect him to just go to whoever offers him more money. I also acknowledge that almost half of the Mets roster is a free agent, but they have some young Pitching on the way and the core is there. I think in modern day MLB, it’s far more importance to be able to score runs than to be flush with starting pitchers.
Remember, the Dodgers traded for Manny Machado the year before his free agency, and they let him walk. It’s not unheard of. This isn’t a Garret Cole situation, where Soto was dying to be a Yankee before this year. He still has almost his whole career ahead of him. I think the Yankees would be crazy to let him go, especially after what they gave up. We will find out if they have the stomach to get it done.
VonPurpleHayes
Yeah. I agree. Above I stated that Soto will be a Met, but my point was that it’s not necessarily about sustained success because if it was, he’d stay a Yankee. I think it boils down to money, and no owner has more than Cohen.
Fever Pitch Guy
Von – I think the core 4 combined with this offseason’s acquisitions will keep the Mets in the postseason for a while.
They are not that old. Lindor is 30, Vientos is 24, Diaz is 30 and Senga is 31. I also believe Alonso will be re-signed.
As for difficulty making the postseason, Mets don’t need to win the division. Even if the Braves and Phillies continue to win 89+ games to take two postseason spots, there’s still two other WC’s to be won. I’m not saying they will have it easier than the Yankees, but I can definitely picture the Mets making the postseason every 4 out of 5 years.
I also expect the O”s and Jays to spend more and the Sox to try and compete eventually, although next this year as they have stated it won’t be until 2026 at the earliest.
And then in 2028 when the Rays get a nice bump in stadium revenue they will likely spend more too. So I do feel the AL East will make a comeback within 2-4 years.
VonPurpleHayes
I agree with these points. I think it’s just a big TBD. The last time the Mets splurged in free agency, the team underperformed. I don’t think that happens again, but baseball is an odd duck. I expect the Mets to compete with Soto in their lineup as well.
Reyday
Mets were 2 wins away from the WS with basically a B squad. Also they took more games from the world champs than the yanks did. I def see the Mets as the better fit. AL east is tough too no matter how you put it. Phillies will be falling off in a year or two and depending what the braves/nats do it could be Mets in the drivers seat for the foreseeable future in that division
VonPurpleHayes
@Reyday The DBack and Rangers were in the WS in 2023 and neither made the playoff in 2024. The Mets being two wins away from a WS appearance as a WC team has no barring on their 25. Like I said, I expect Cohen to go a little nuts in 2025, but assuming the Braves and Phillies are going to fall off is foolish when both are still 90+ win teams. There’s no guarantee all 3 of those teams make the playoffs again. Any one of them could be out of the playoffs in 25, including the Mets.
Miken31
The Mets do have a lot of free agents, but you’re making an assumption that they’re not going to resign many of those free agents. We don’t really know what they are going to do. However, we do know that more than any other organization they have an owner who will do everything he can do to win. Whether those moves will lead to winning, we don’t know, but I love that effort.
The biggest tr0ll
I agree the AL was far weaker but I see Soto signing with the Yankees before going to the Mets. I just don’t see the Mets happening… Steinbrenner is intent on keeping his star players
The biggest tr0ll
You guys underestimate the Yankees, the true Evil Empire. They didn’t trade him just to let him walk.
If Soto des leave, as a Sox fan I will rejoice, but I dont see it happening. I hope he leaves the Yankees
The biggest tr0ll
Steinbrenner doesn’t do anything to win? Keep overlooking the Yankees. They’re the ones going to sign Soto. Either Yanks or Dodgers, but I think he fits better on the Yanks
Miken31
If only it were as easy as that. Steinbrenner does not have final and only say in all of this.
Miken31
Wishful thinking and the Dodgers are not even part of this.
Reyday
@Purple The happens quite often, my point was just cause the yanks made it to the WS doesn’t mean they are better equipped than the Mets to make another run, especially if they lose Soto and Mets gain him. The Phillies most def will be falling off in a year or two unless they reload. The core is getting old and expensive especially if they pick up Trout like projected. Braves I still expect to be very tough for the foreseeable future but not untouchable like they have been the past 3-4 years.
The biggest tr0ll
And believe me, I heard what you say about the money. I just don’t think he’s going to sign with the Mets. I hope he does. I’ll be the first to admit I’m wrong if he does. Intuition tells me he won’t.
But I also don’t think the Mets are as good as you’re selling them; NLCs last year or not
Miken31
All that matters is what the team accomplished this season. Perception of how good you or I think a team is it’s not reality. The reality is they were in the NLCS last year. That’s what they’re building on. It’s not they’re not really as good as that or they’re better than their record. Those kind of statements are just perceptions which don’t really mean anything. There’s nothing to base Soto not signing with the Mets. Based on logic it would indicate he will. Of course, nobody knows for sure but the team willing to offer the most money seems like the one to get the player and the highest offer is going to be the Mets. The only way the Mets back off is if they think they’re being used. And this is a guy who’s looking for the most money. He’s not trying to use one team against another.
The biggest tr0ll
We’ll see. I know gut isn’t much to go off, but my gut just feels like Mets isn’t the best fit.
Again, I’m hoping Soto signs with the Mets. Would love to see him out of the AL East. I just think Yankees had a plan when they traded for him and I think they will unexpectedly pony up when the time is right. They have had a history of doing this and screwing Sox fans for years. They’re also sucker’s for superstar players.
And dont get me wrong. Mets are a solid team, I just don’t think they’re the best and I don’t think Cohen has made the best decisions. Do I think he’s been horrible? No, I’m just not thinking they’re the top dog. I think his money says more than his mind.
Miken31
Well, keep in mind David Stearns is the one making the decisions now and there’s no reason not to trust him. And when you talk with the Yankees ponying up, why wouldn’t the team that has more money pony up even more and keep going until they get the player? The big reason why the Yankees have always tended to get these players is because they have the most money. Well, they don’t anymore. That’s changed.
The biggest tr0ll
I don’t think the Mets are better than the Yankees but I agree the AL was weak. I get you’re a Mets fan, but you treat them like they’re the top guns. I really don’t think they are.
The biggest tr0ll
Signing Soto would be a huge mistake for anyone at that price though… I don’t think it’s a good gamble for whoever signs him and I think the Mets are better off staying away.
Anyone at that price is insane and could hurt a team down the road
Miken31
Every season is different, but the Mets were absolutely the better team than the Yankees last year. The NL had about three or four teams better than the Yankees. The Mets are included in them. Yes, I’m a Mets fan but once again the Mets had the best record in baseball from June 1 on. The Yankees played half a season of .500 baseball. Regardless of my fandom I’m using data to support my point.
Miken31
But the Mets can afford Soto more than anyone. They can sign players and cover their mistakes if it doesn’t work out. The Mets are a toy for Steve Cohen. It has nothing to do with making money for him.
The biggest tr0ll
And it was just a season… anything can happen in 2025
Miken31
Yes, we know anything can happen but again, I’m using facts to support a point not the “anything can happen” point that really doesn’t say anything
VonPurpleHayes
“especially if they pick up Trout like projected”
Projected by whom? That’s pure nonsense. They aren’t getting Trout, but I do believe they’ll be a division contender in 2025. That’s a good squad that just got ice cold.
Reyday
@Purple it’s been reported for at least a month now. Im not just pulling out my ass search it up Trouts been on their radar. Point is I never said they would fall of next year, they still have nice pieces I said in 1-2 years I think they will fall off unless they reload. Harper is 32, Schwarber will be 32, Turner 31, Castellanos will be 33, Wheeler 34, Nola 31, Realmuto 33, Walker 32. That’s there core players all on the wrong side of 30 and all are making at least 18+MM then if they happen to add trout that’s another guy that’s 33 and you see where I’m going. Unless they reload I just don’t see them being competitive past a 1-2 year window.
VonPurpleHayes
It hasn’t been reported anywhere reliable. I follow all the sites and reporters. Not one has mentioned that. That’s just fan nonsense. They aren’t even interested in Trout. That’s so silly. It isn’t happening and was never reported here, which is a good sign that it’s fake news since this site is an aggregate of reliable news sources.
And sure, their stars are getting older. I’m talking about 2025. I see the Phillies as division contenders if not division favorites in 25, but it’s one of the toughest divisions in baseball so you never know.
Fever Pitch Guy
Mike – Agreed, but injuries had a lot to do with the AL’s weakness this year.
Reyday
Bleacher report, sports illustrated and others. This sites been wrong many times in the past and it makes sense Trout not getting any younger on a losing team while the Phillies need to fill OF plus Trout grew up right over the river in NJ so forgive me if the pieces fit for right now. He’s got a better shot at landing there than anywhere I would say.
Miken31
Fever—Perhaps so but I also think those teams in the AL are weaker in general. The NL teams had injuries too. Just a matter of opinion I suppose.
rct
I totally agree, padam. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the George Steinbrenner era, but I cannot imagine that the Yankees gave up those prospects for Soto, only to let him walk. And to the Mets, no less!
Miken31
However, the Yankees don’t get to control everything. If someone has more money and keeps bidding more money than they have well that’s that. George Steinberger is dead and gone.
Fever Pitch Guy
rct – Prospects never mean much to the Yankees, they always manage to come up with more because they are always trading for in-demand players.
Pretty sure it was somewhat a panic move to trade for Soto. They needed to wash away a very rare non-playoff season, and if it meant just one year of Soto then so be it.
The biggest tr0ll
Guaranteed the Yanks have just as much money when they want to pay up.
Miken31
Well, no actually they don’t. Steve Cohen has more money than the Yankees. I don’t understand how Yankees fans trying to argue this point. It’s an undeniable fact. No matter what anyone wants to say about it.
The biggest tr0ll
I’m a Red Sox fan. I just always know the Yankees to swoop in and take the good players. By net worth, you’re right. But are they willing to spend that much more than each other?
I don’t see him signing as a Met until it happens. Hate to say it, but the winners sign with Yanks or Dodgers. They even got Judge when other teams offered more
The biggest tr0ll
I don’t think Cohen is very smart. He signed Verlander and Scherzer and traded them only after a season. If he wanted to win, he would’ve kept one of them… he had no rhyme or reason other than buy, buy, buy. If Soto can get nearly enough and be on a winning team, he chooses the Yankees. Maybe the Mets outbid the Yankees but I dont think it will be a huge difference (as you propose), and I think Yankees will offer enough for Soto to stay. As others said, they didn’t trade for him to not try to lock him up.
As a Sox fan, I’m hopeful the Mets do sign him, but as a realist, everything tells me he’ll stay as a Yankee
Miken31
This is antiquated thinking. The Yankees strategy last off-season was not to sign massive free agents. They have an owner who is very concerned about the luxury tax. They got judge when other teams offered more because judge was already with the Yankees for many years and came through their system. He was already comfortable there. Soto isn’t signing for less to stay with the Yankees and I do believe the Mets will offer more. Seeing is believing and I think you will see it.
Miken31
OK, you’re losing credibility when you make a statement that Steve Cohen isn’t very smart. Trading off Verlander and Scherzer was genius. The season was wasn’t working out the way they thought and they basically paid to trade those guys off and get big prospects. It would’ve been foolish to keep either one of them, and they both had bad years last year with injuries. Those trades turned out to be genius and nobody paying attention could possibly criticize them. You do realize the Mets went to the playoffs last year and went to the NLCS, right?
The biggest tr0ll
Yes, and the Mets were an ace short in the postseason. Notice how i said trade ONE, not both. They needed pitching down the stretch. I would’ve gambled keeping one of them.
Cohen failed when he signed them both and didn’t make the postseason. That didn’t seem smart to me just throwing money out at anything that walks.
I would’ve kept ONE of the aces though.
I really think Mets overplayed this past postseason too and need more to beat the Phillies next time. Phillies lost more than the Mets won.
Miken31
But Verlander and Scherzer were terrible last year. They were injured and didn’t pitch well. How would keeping one of them have solved anything? The answer is it wouldn’t. There is no such thing as overplaying. The team they put on the field deserved what they achieved. Simple as that. Besides you do realize from the beginning of June, they had the best record in all of baseball. This was not just some overachieving team that got hot. They were consistently one of the best teams in baseball for the majority of the season. That’s a fact. And you saying the Phillies lost more than the Mets won proves you didn’t watch a second of that series or a second of the Mets this season.
The biggest tr0ll
No one knew Scherzer or Verlander would be bad. You’re right, they were bad last year, but no one knew they would be, and I would’ve gambled on one of them, abd it honestly looks bad when you trade two aces away after you had the biggest dud of a season with the highest payroll.
Just like I thought trading Sale was good. It turned out bad, but no one can predict injuries. It worked out for the Mets, but in hindsight, it looked like a really bad move from Cohen.
Say what you want about me. I’ve watched enough games abd the postseason. You’re obviously a diehard Mets fan, I get it, but I’d be surprised if the Mets go as far as they did last season. And like I said, they’re not a bad team. I’m just not praising them like they’re the best. I still would’ve kept one of the aces. Cohen lost a lot of credibility to me when he traded them both and STILL didn’t go for lucky. rebuild. He got lucky.
If Senga didn’t work out, Mets would’ve been done, and that was a big “if” too.
You make it sound like I’m trashing the Mets. I’m not. I was rooting for them, but I knew they were the DBacks of ’23 in the postseason. Yankees/Dodgers was the worst outcome but the one that was always gonna happen
The biggest tr0ll
Still didn’t go for a full rebuild. Autocorrect is trash
The biggest tr0ll
I will see it when it happens… didn’t Mets also try to sign Ohtani?
I’m sorry, but i can’t take you seriously. You respond like the Mets are the only team in baseball, and the only team who can sign Soto. I guarantee that isn’t true.
You’re right about the money, and I could be flat out wrong, but I’m not banking on the Mets signing Soto until it happens.
The biggest tr0ll
And no thoughts on the Dodgers? Because I think they’re in play for Soto too. Reports say you might be right, but I’m not believing until i see it. They’re only reports and I think Yankees and Dodgers have a better shot at him
Miken31
Yes, but your point was that Cohen made bad decisions and my point is it was a good decision to not keep Verlander and Scherzer. Yes nobody could’ve predicted what they would’ve done but the Mets were right about them. That’s my point. The Mets only traded them because they were able to pay down their salaries and get top prospects. Those trades were absolute genius at this point. Nobody objectively could say otherwise.
I’m not saying you’re trashing the Mets but how in the world can you possibly know how far they’re going to go next season when the off-season hasn’t happened and they are clearly going to be spending a ton of money to improve the team?
Miken31
No, the Mets didn’t try to sign Ohtani. That’s not correct. You can’t take me seriously? You state a lot of incorrect information as facts and your opinions are half baked.
Miken31
You’re entitled to your opinion, but I’m not sure what it’s based upon
The biggest tr0ll
Because when the Mets spent a lot of money last time, they tanked. Sometimes the change doesn’t help, nor does a complete rebuild.
Honestly, though, do you really want to tie all that money in one player? I think it’s foolish and another way for Cohen to slap money at someone. I think whoever signs Soto will regret it in fibe years and the Mets are better off using that money elsewhere.
Part of me wants the Mets to sign him so he gets out of the AL East but part of me wants the Yankees to sign him so they get stuck with him for years to come like they are with Stanton.
Whether you’re a Mets fan or not, this is a huge signing that could easily backfire for any team signing them. I know Cohen has the money, but you could be stuck with a player for years with that price.
The biggest tr0ll
What have I said that’s incorrect? Cohen traded away pitchers and my opinion, at the time, it was foolish. Cohen spent a ton of money, it was foolish. We don’t know what the Mets will do next year despite how good they were last year. I’ve seen teams do good one year abd falters the next. No one knows for sure. That’s not inaccurate. I could be wrong in my assessment but it’s premature to say otherwise. I also think the Phillies are the better team at the moment.
The biggest tr0ll
And I know your opinion is biased, being a Mets fan, but if Cohen signs him, I think it’s a bad move.
I still think the Phillies are the better team at the moment.
Miken31
Again, the difference with the Mets is that for Cohen this is a toy. If the signing doesn’t work out, he seems more than willing to spend money to cover it up to get other players. This is a very different kind of owner.
Miken31
We all biased to our teams, but I can look at things objectively and when you’re a fan of a team, you know the pulse of the team more than others. So I’m pretty confident what I’m saying about Cohen and the Mets is pretty true.
Miken31
I’m just making points based on facts and you’re giving your opinion based on I’m not really sure what. But that’s fine. Everyone’s entitled to say what they wanna say.
Reyday
Ohtani is a way different story obviously every competitor checked in with Ohtani that’s a once in a generation player. But the difference with him and Soto is that Ohtani was always going to a west coast team. Soto prefers the east coast so that really leaves 2 possibilities between Mets or Yankees but I will never count the Dodgers out cause they are just freaks of nature at getting talent.
Acoss1331
Probably the most serious bidder in the market for Soto. Would not be surprised if Cohen beats Hal in a bidding war for Soto.
Holee Cow!
Most people hope so. But the reality is that Steinbrenner is a businessman and he is most likely to match whatever is offered just because of the revenue he makes off Soto in New York.
larkraxm
That’s it Cow. Soto is an investment, not an expense. Soto might “choose” another team, but it won’t be because the Yankees were “outbid”.
Miken31
You can’t match any offer when someone else has more money than you. Eventually, it becomes too much.
larkraxm
Correct. Not for the Yankees, though. For the 100th time, Soto is an investment, not an expense. The Yankees are still making profit selling Mantle jerseys. There is no price that is “too expensive” for the Yankees. If Soto wants to be a Yankee and the Yankees want Soto, money will not be an issue.
Miken31
I appreciate your point of view, but this is basic economics. If I have $1000 and you have $300 eventually I can go to a point of buying something that you can’t. That’s the situation here. No matter how much money the Yankees are producing it’s still not more money than Steve Cohen has. Cohen can keep throwing another $10 million on the pile. Eventually, the Yankees will have to stop.
larkraxm
I hear what you are saying. The Yankee’s net worth is 7.5 billion. The stopping point is not going to “bust” the Yankees. They can “afford” whatever Soto costs. They might not be willing, but they will be able to match whatever the Mets offer.
Miken31
Steve Cohen’s net worth is 21 billion dollars. The Yankees simply can’t match whatever Steve Cohen offers. Obviously there’s a limit for any team, but the limit has to be less for the Yankees than the Mets. I’m not saying I know for a fact he will sign with the Mets. But I just can’t see the Mets not having the top offer. Maybe he signs for less I don’t know, but I just think it’s virtually impossible the Mets will not put the highest offer out there. I think what you said in your post is what it will be though. I think there’s a point where the Yankees aren’t going to be willing to go because they are going to have more of a budget than the Mets. And if they sign Soto for some exorbitant amount of money, I think it’s going to be very difficult for them to fit a lot more into that budget. I don’t know this for a fact, but looking at the recent history and what I’ve read and heard that’s what I think.
larkraxm
I just disagree that there is any number that the Yankees can’t reach. His contract won’t be more than $7.5 billion dollars. I guess in theory, if Cohen agrees to transfer his 21 billion dollars to Juan Soto, then the Yankees would have to get a loan to match. I actually think they could get that loan if they needed it, but this is silly talk. Whatever Juan Soto’s salary will be, the Yankees and Mets can both afford. It will just be his choice.
Miken31
I guess we are going to agree to disagree, but I’m not sure how anyone can say the guy with less money is going to be able to match or exceed the offer of the guy with more money. But I appreciate the debate just the same. Of course I know they’re not going to go to a point of exceeding their net worth but we know that’s not how it works. You and I can afford to buy certain things but there’s a point we won’t go to because it becomes too much money. It’s not at a point of our entire net worth, but it just becomes too much at a certain point. It’s the same thing here. There’s a point that’s going to be too much money for Hal Steinbrenner well before that that happens with Steve Cohen. That’s the point I’m making. Besides, Hal Steinbrenner is the guy who’s talked about how the Yankees payroll is unsustainable because of the luxury tax and he is far more budget conscious. We know Steve Cohen just doesn’t care that much about luxury tax. Again appreciate the debate.
larkraxm
Milken- “I’m not sure how the guy with less money is going to be able to match or exceed the offer of the guy with more money”. That is because neither guy is going to offer everything they own. You are correct that it would be easier for Cohen to offer $21 billion. It will be just as easy for either team to offer $60 or $70 million per year to an employee of their MLB team. It is actually easier for the Yankees because the team’s net worth is double that of the Mets. Bill Gates and I can both compete for a coffee mug at a yard sale because the final price of the coffee mug will not exceed either of our abilities to purchase the mug.
Miken31
Again, I really think you’re missing the point. $700 million is a lot less to Steve Cohen than it is to Hal Steinbrenner. 700 million is 10% of Hal Steinbrenner‘s net worth. Think about that. For one player. It’s probably about 3% of Steve Cohen‘s net worth. That’s the difference. Someone might have the money for something but it’s still becomes too expensive. The Yankees have a budget much more so than the Mets will. That’s just a fact. And the Yankees are not going to spread around a lot of money on that budget if they give Soto that kind of contract. It doesn’t matter if the Yankees net worth is twice of the Mets since the Mets owner has a net worth of three times of the Yankees owner. That’s what matters…the bottom line cash. You’re trying to spin this that somehow the Yankees have more money and that is simply not true. This is not buying a coffee mug. You do know how Steinbrenner said during the season that the Yankees will not be able to sustain their payroll because of the luxury tax. Listen to what the guy says.
Miken31
“I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially,” Steinbrenner said, as relayed by Martin. He went on to point to the luxury tax as a limiting factor on the club’s spending.
Hal Steinbrenner’s quote.
larkraxm
I get your point. They are not buying fireworks. Cohen can afford to light more money on fire than the Yankees. Point taken. Soto will earn his next team far more than he will cost. That is an investment. You are missing my point. Both teams can afford to invest $700 million to make billions in return. Last season Soto made $33 million and Rizzo made $17 million. That is already $50 million the Yankees could spend on Soto’s salary without increasing last year’s payroll one penny. I am not trying to say that the Yankees have more money. I am saying that whatever Soto’s salary ends up being, the Yankees can afford. You keep trying to tell me the Mets can afford it more. And I keep saying I don’t care. They can both afford it. Like a coffee mug at a yard sale. The .50 will impact more than Bill Gates, but we can both afford it.
Miken31
OK, I guess the bottom line is I know both teams can afford this but again that Hal Steinbrenner quote:
“I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially,” Steinbrenner said
Steve Cohen is not ever gonna be making any comments like that. Money is just a different thing to these two guys. So I’m not saying that comes down to the Soto contract but eventually because the Yankees are gonna want to bring other players there is a level they simply will not go to that Steve Cohen will go to. And it’s not as simple as taking away Rizzo‘s contract because other guys on the team with arbitration are going to make more and eat that up plus all the other players the Yankees are going to want to bring in. And Steinbrenner already said the current payroll is not sustainable. I think we get each other but ultimately, we probably won’t agree on this. That’s OK. Enjoy the off-season.
larkraxm
Copy! I’m enjoying it already. I also saw that quote and took it to mean something else entirely. Rizzo, Verdugo, Torres, Clay Holmes, Trevino, etc. will all be replaced by younger cheaper options. The Yankees are not planning on signing Soto and Alonso, for example, and the Mets probably are. The Yankees are going to let Peraza, Dominguez, Will Warren, and other young affordable players play a lot of innings going forward. I look at it as letting Volpe take over SS and Wells becoming the everyday catcher. There will be a youth movement in New York. That doesn’t mean that they will sit on the sideline while a cross-town rival signs their sure fire Hall of Famer that is a perfect compliment to the investment that you already made in Judge and a 26-year-old superstar away from them. Having 34-year-old position players making $17 million and not being healthy for two years is not sustainable. Time will tell how it shakes loose, but Hal is flying to meet with Soto next week, so all the “not sustainable” talk might be overblown. He isn’t flying to California for the sunshine.
Miken31
I’m sure part of the plan is having some younger cheaper guys replace those guys but it wouldn’t be possible to do that with all of those free agents. I think they’re going to have to make some difficult decisions and I really feel like if they resign Soto there’s probably not gonna be a lot of other free agent signings. And despite making the World Series, the Yankees still need quite a bit of work. Obviously, I do think in the end the Mets are going to sign Soto and the Yankees are not going to want to go to that level but we will see!
larkraxm
We will see and it will be fun! I know that Mets fans want Cohen to price the Yankees out on Soto like they were the Brewers, but I just don’t think that will be the case. Soto might choose the Mets, but it won’t be because of his contract. He might agree with you that the Mets can sign him and other pieces and the Yankees can’t/won’t and that might be true. The reason Hal is flying to meet with him is to assure him that the plan is to win. You are also talking about a team that already has the league MVP and last year’s CY Young on the roster. The idea that the Yankees will say “too rich for our blood” and walk away from Soto is fantasy. In the end, I think Soto wants to be a Yankee and the Yankees want Soto, and they tend to work that stuff out.
Miken31
I go back to the off-season with Judge though as a free agent. The Yankees did not offer him the highest bid, reportedly. With Soto that is not going to fly. He’s not staying with the Yankees for a lower bid. He seems like the mercenary definition. I feel like Yankee fans don’t want to except what the Yankees have become, which is a budget conscious organization. That doesn’t mean cheap, but it means like a lot of other teams where they won’t go to the absolute limit. I think we are going to see what we have been seeing the last couple of off-seasons. Look at last off-season. They traded for Soto, which was not an exorbitant contract. And they signed Stroman and traded over Verdugo. No big contracts. Hal is different than his dad. It’s only words now, but I think their off-season will be that again.
gbs42
Mike, what makes Soto seem like “the mercenary definition?” Is it because he didn’t sign very good but undervalued offers from WAS and SD?
I understand a player and agent wanting to get top dollar, to push the salary max for themselves and for future players. Otherwise, the owners just keep the profits to themselves.
Miken31
It’s not a personal attack on him. It’s just that we’ve heard that this is not a situation where he’s going to take less to be where he’s happiest. Now I don’t know that to be true obviously because who knows what’s in a guy head. But the reporting has seemed to indicate him wanting to go wherever the most money is. It may not be true, but just by the reporting. And of course he’s not the first free agent to feel that way.
gbs42
We rarely, if ever, truly know all offers players receive. The assumption, often cited by fans and writers here, if nearly all players choose the largest contract. That may or may not be true much of the time, but we really don’t know.
It seems there’s a stigma associated with going where the most money is. I’ve read players called much worse than mercenaries. Greedy, ungrateful, spoiled, sellouts, etc., as if they owe some allegiance to their original team, which drafted players have no control over.
Related, the idea of a hometown discount is absurd. Players play their first 6-7 years in the majors at a discount rate, almost always not for their real home towns. If anything, teams should offer a hometown bonus as a thank you for prior contributions.
larkraxm
Don’t be surprised if agents and players use the Mets to drive up the price for their preferred destination. I think that is what Yamamoto did with the Yankees last year. By the way in you summarizing of last off season you forgot to include the offer of $300 million for 10 years to Yamamoto. I think that the Yankees have become more intentional with their contracts. They will not recklessly be in on every FA, but a young impactful FA on the market is not something the Yankees will pass on. I know you want the Yankees to be the Rays sooooo bad, but they are still the premier MLB franchise for a reason.
Miken31
Players always use teams to drive up the prices. They’ll do it to the Mets. They’ll do it to the Yankees. They’ll do it to the Dodgers. They’re always going to go to the richest teams to get the best offers on the table. The Yankees did make that offer to Yamamoto, but I think both they and the Mets knew he was going to ultimately want to go to the Dodgers. I know the Yankees aren’t going to be the rays, but I’m not gonna stick my head in the sand and not act like the owner is sending out warnings that he’s not spending at certain limits anymore. The guy has outright said it.. you can’t ignore it.
The biggest tr0ll
But how do you know the Yanks don’t have just as much money? They have years ago and have likely been waiting for the right time to pay up
JackStrawb
In fact, no, because Cohen isn’t going to go past a certain point.
The point isn’t “win the bidding at any cost,” it’s “win the bidding at a price that’s lower in terms of wins and revenues than your 2nd best option.”
Stearns won’t be a fan, in any case. Soto’s been worth 5 WAR in 2/3 of his seasons to date, and projects for an early decline like his closest comps Dick Allen and Miguel Cabrera (though he’s not as good as the latter). No one in their right mind sets salary records for that player.
Soto in overall value is Paul Goldschmidt or Marcus Semien, not Ohtani, Judge, Betts, or Trout.
Only a fool pays Soto like or more than the last 4.
Crochet and Willy Adamesrate to give you the same number of wins as Soto in 2025, but with more upside given how being a slow, bad defensive LFer caps his value.
JackStrawb
@Miken31 Sorry, friend, but you’re the one missing the point. You’re also now embroidering your original point, but it’s not helping.
This isn’t an insult, it’s just clear you’re not following the argument; nor was your argument valid in the first place.
JackStrawb
@larkraxm There is almost no chance the Mets sign Alonso. He’s a bad fit, is in steep decline, projects very poorly, so even 5/125m makes no sense for the Mets AND Vientos is a much better fit at 1B than 3B, where that move also opens up 3B on the Mets in free agency for either a superior fielder, improving overall IF defense by 15 runs, or gives them the option in what rates to be a fallow year with plenty of holes on the roster, of giving Mauricio or Baty one more shot.
There’s just no scenario where Pete Alonso at 1B is in the Mets best interests.
Miken31
I’m not saying that Cohen will spend any point. I’m saying he’s going to spend to a point that Steinbrenner won’t. It’s a pretty logical statement for anyone paying attention to what’s going on.
Miken31
Thanks for showing me the light. Please explain to me how I’m not “following the argument” or “how my argument “isn’t valid in the first place”. Only your intellect and insight can unlock that for me. Anyone wants to use the phrase “this isn’t an insult” is clearly making an insult. And you’re saying something without saying anything at all so perhaps you’re not following the argument. Also tell me how Soto projects to an early decline like those other players? Miguel Cabrera was about 400 pounds so I think we could see that one coming. You would have them getting Adames who would be switching positions, which who knows if he wants to do that. And you have Crochet who is a massive injury risk. If a guy doesn’t play he he’s not really worth anything.
Miken31
Except if another owner has more money than him, the other owner can just keep going higher and higher until Hal can’t.
Skeptical
Cohen has money because he knows how to make it and how to spend it. One does not bid recklessly just to outbid someone else. One only bids what one thinks the object of your bidding is worth. Letting your ego determine how much you are bidding or spending is a surefire way to overspend. People who bid recklessly tend to be people who end up with no money.
I don’t know it Cohen and the Mets will sign Soto and really don’t care. I am sure that no matter who he signs with, his contract will just be another example of how misplaced our priorities are in America.
Miken31
This reads like a kidnapper note
JoeBrady
Skeptical
Letting your ego determine how much you are bidding or spending is a surefire way to overspend.
his contract will just be another example of how misplaced our priorities are in America.
===========================
1-A lot of people own sports teams as a monument to their ego. I’m sure Cohen would like to make money, but over-spending by $5M s year for Soto isn’t even a rounding error for him. It’s like buying a yacht. You’ll lose money, but it is a cool status symbol.
2-And, yes, the Red Sox winning another World Series is a priority for me. I worked a long time, saved all my money, and one of the things I look forward to is the RS winning.
And most of the world feels the same. There are some poor dudes living in shacks in Rio. If you ask them, I’d be willing to bet that they’d love to see Brazil win the World Cup.
larkraxm
There is no “can’t”. The Yankees have a net worth of $7.5 billion. There might be a “won’t”, but there is no “can’t”.
Carter86
Cohen is a wealthier business man so what’s your point?
Miken31
He can afford anyone more than anyone else. What other point do you need?
CarolinaCubsandKush
Agreed. Cohen let the Yankees sign Judge. I doubt Cohen lets another all time great sign with them the next season. Not on his Rolex.
Anthony maresca
Surprised??? I’m a Yankee fan and I promise you Cohen’s bid is going to be at least $100-150 million higher than Steinbrenner. Boras is going to play Cohen like a fiddle and shatter Ohtani’s $700 million pact albeit more years with zero deferred money!
larkraxm
You all act like the Yankees are the Brewers. Soto is an investment, not an expense. No matter what his final deal is, he will generate more in revenue for his team. When Hal wanted Cole, the Yankees signed Cole. When Hal wanted Judge, Hal got Judge. If the Yankees want Soto, and Soto wants to be a Yankee, then money will not be an issue no matter how much it is.
JoeBrady
Soto is an investment, not an expense.
====================
He could be. But even if that’s his treatment, Cohen has an even larger advantage. Just think about the upside for both teams.
NYY-maybe another 100,000 tickets sold.
NYM-maybe another million tickets sold.
gbs42
Anthony, how can you back up a promise like that? Or even prove you’re right or wrong?
Longtimecoming
Time will tell – it always does. Until then it’s speculation, opinion and hope of a fan.
This time of year there are 100,000 baseball owners and GM’s (in their minds) spending money they don’t have and building teams that will never reach the field.
Enjoy the ride. Tis the season and stove, she burns hot!
TheBull
Most serious bidder? Cohen meeting w/ Soto scheduled in Southern California
Which means Soto / Boras are squeezing in Cohen while they meet with the Los Angeles Dodgers
websoulsurfer
Boras’ office and home are in Newport Beach in SoCal. Soto lives in Coronado in the offseason, about 90 miles south of there. Meeting teams somewhere in SoCal makes sense.
JoeBrady
Meeting teams somewhere in SoCal makes sense.
==========================
It’s like courting the prettiest girl in class. If you want it bad enough, you go to them. It’s a matter of respect. If Roki comes out, Henry, Breslow and Theo should get their passports in order.
Don'tBeDumb
TheBull lol you just made up a whole narrative
Frank Fds
don’t forget hal almost let judge go to the giants. and he was home grown. I don’t think they are attached to soto as much as the Yankees fans think..
WiffleBall
“Almost let Judge go to the Giants.” You make it sound like Hal couldn’t decide, not that Judge was using them for leverage.
Chris from NJ
Does 10-650 get it done?
CardsFan57
In .000001 seconds.
Captainmike1
In this insane world it probably would
It also disgusts me
Blue Baron
Captainmike1: Why? You’re not paying.
Compo
lol of course it does but nobody is paying 65 million a year for 10 years to sign him. i dont care how young he is.
Ma4170
I know the 700m figure was thriwn out by boras, but thats a pipe dream imo. If he gets 500-550 (no money deferred) w an opt out after three years, he should jump on it.
CardsFan57
The net present value Ohtani signed was $46 million AAV. I don’t see Soto being paid more AAV than Ohtani.
Blue Baron
“BORE ASS”
What an amazingly dumb, juvenile post. How old are you Hyatt, 12?
websoulsurfer
Both 16-17 years and $700 million have been thrown around by multiple writers. When did Boras use that number?
websoulsurfer
I don’t think anyone sees Soto getting much more in AAV than that, if at all. What most see is him getting more years with the 3 mentioned on this site being at the low end of that spectrum. Many writers are mentioning 16 and even 17 years.
MLB says that Ohtani’s AAV is $46.1 million but the MLBPA says its $43.68 million. 16 years at $43.75 million beats that AAV and hits $700 million which is as much as Ohtani’s gross.
CardsFan57
I question the number of years being thrown around considering the very valid concern about whether Soto’s age is accurate. Teams aren’t completely clueless to those concerns.
websoulsurfer
No one relevant or believable has even intimated that Soto is not 26. If you have evidence or links to anyone credible that has questioned his age, please share. Otherwise stop trolling.
CravenMoorehead
Blue Baron,
Absolutely love the new profile pic!!!
Lindor's Bodyguard
The Blue Baron is the one adult in this room.
CardsFan57
I claim no evidence. Soto has always looked older and comes from a country whose ballplayers have a long and deep history of being older than they claim to be.
That’s not trolling. It’s a valid concern to any team throwing around hundreds of millions of dollars.
JoeBrady
CardsFan57
It’s a valid concern to any team throwing around hundreds of millions of dollars.
========================
Of course it is a valid concern. It’s like me wondering if Burnes has an undisclosed arm injury, or if maybe Teo’s numbers were pharma-enhanced.
This is like any investment. Unless the chance of a given risk is -0-, then it is a risk and needs to be accounted for.
metsin4
More like 15/650.
StudWinfield
I’d say he wants $47 mill per. So 13/$611.
websoulsurfer
There was a time when Soto was quoted as saying that he didn’t understand why the best position players were not getting paid as much as the top paid pitchers. At the time Verlander and Scherzer were the best paid pitchers. It seems like that is what he was shooting for at that time.
shea
There is literally no indication that Soto is any age other than what he says he is.
Ma4170
I dont see any team going 15+ years, nor should they. If it happens, I’ll eat crow. I think the ceiling for him is 12/564.
JoeBrady
There is no evidence that anyone is older than they claim, and yet, this happens occasionally.
websoulsurfer
About 2-3 times every 10 years out of thousands of minor league prospects and 1000+ MLB players it is found that a player close to or in the majors falsified their age.
Its more common with prospects, but few ever make it to the US. They are simply not signed. Even that is rare. Maybe a dozen a year worldwide. The chance is NOT zero as we saw with the Padres prospect this year and it seems to be on the rise, but the chance of that is not high either.
There are more than 4 thousand prospects being actively scouted by MLB teams at MLB clubs academies or independent Buscones’ academies in the DR. The number in Venezuela, Curacao, Mexico, Columbia, Panama, and Cuba is equal or greater than what is in the DR. Out of the DR and all those other countries, in 2024 about 4 dozen had their offers rescinded because they falsified their age.
About 6 tenths of 1%. Those are pretty good odds in the team’s favor.
Part of the reason for the uptick in the numbers of prospects falsifying their age is that the money available for the best international free agents is not as large as it used to be and teams are using a shotgun approach and are signing greater numbers of prospects to relatively low dollar deals. $5k, $10k, $50k instead of tens of millions. Last signing period the Padres had an international free agent pool of $6 million, signed DeVries and Cruz to deals of more than $500k, and still signed 44 international free agents from those Caribbean countries.
Since the last major league players to be found to have falsified their age, Fausto Carmona and Leo Nunez in 2012, there have been 2864 players that have played in the majors. Those are exceptionally good odds.
Before that it was Wandy Rodriguez, Rafael Furcal, and Bartolo Colon in 2002 and Miguel Tejada in 2008. Tejada was in his 12th season in the majors.
The chance is not zero, its just very low .
Anthony maresca
Yes but not from Steinbrenner
Blue Baron
How do you know?
WiffleBall
I think it takes 20/900
RodBecksBurnerAccount
There rumor is the Cohen already has an offer on the table of 13- $660
Ma4170
There’s also a widespread rumor that Mets have offered Adames 7/160, so they’re clearly looking at several avenues. And who knows what’s true or not at this point.
RodBecksBurnerAccount
I believe both are true. The Mets have a ton of money coming off the books and the richest owner in the game that has shown he is willing to spend. If they can get the players to agree (not every player takes the biggest contract), they will have a huge off-season.
JoeBrady
There rumor is
==================
Citation?
RodBecksBurnerAccount
Are we writing a book report? It was on Twitter. Take it with a grain of salt.
JackStrawb
Sure, but it’s a foolish offer from several angles.
Buffett
Welcome to the Mets Soto
CardsFan57
I see Soto staying in NYC. I can’t predict which borough
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
One of the Five Familes will get him
Don Coreleone will make an offer he can’t refuse
WiffleBall
Long Island Ducks
Don'tBeDumb
Just wait until he signs then pretend you were making those same predictions from day 1 … like every other expert here
johnrealtime
I predicted you were going to say that
Blackpink in the area
I think the Mets have a shot but they are gonna have to beat the Yankees offer by a nice margin. The Yankees are a historic franchise and the Mets are not.
Captainmike1
Soto don’t care about anything but money
Informed Sportsball Discussion
@Captainmike1
To be fair, Soto probably cares about having the chance to win too.
But with the Mets, he doesn’t have to choose. They look like a stronger horse than the Yankees right now, the only caveat being the AL does not currently have a rival for the Yankees to match the Dodgers in the NL for the Mets (with apologies to the Orioles).
But yeah. I think any romantic notions of Soto doing something heartwarming like going back to the Nats for a little less money will be quashed in efficient course.
Luis_Fazenda
You never know. For every group of guys that openly place their sole priority on winning when looking for a landing spot, you have a guy like Trout…who for some strange reason has decided to piss his career away in Anaheim for a team that has made the post-season exactly one time in the 13+ seasons he’s been there, and that was 10 years ago.
rct
“the Dodgers in the NL for the Mets”
Not to mention the Braves, Padres, and Phillies. Brewers and DBacks are very solid as well.
Informed Sportsball Discussion
@rct Yes, this year’s postseason definitely made it clear how much better the NL currently is than the AL.
But hey, I gave the Dodgers credit as the top threat to the Mets. Let no one say I can’t be objective about a team I strongly do not care for.
GarryHarris
I doubt Yankees will even blink if they miss out on Juan Soto. I think they need to oust Boone.
rct
“The Yankees are a historic franchise and the Mets are not.”
You can spin this in the opposite direction, though. Wouldn’t it give you automatic legend status if you brought a championship to Queens? The first one in almost 40 years?
Blackpink in the area
By that logic Ohtani should have signed with the Mariners. But he didn’t. And now he’s a Dodger legend….
rct
That’s not a good comparison at all. First, the Mets and Yankees are in same city. Second, the Mets are much closer to the Yankees contender-wise than the Mariners are to the Dodgers. Third, the Mariners did not offer Ohtani a contract.
So, no. That was not my “logic”. We’re talking Mets vs. Yankees, both of whom will offer Soto a similar mega deal, just went deep into the playoffs, and have owners willing to spend.
Blackpink in the area
You don’t know who offered Ohtani what.
Yankees are a world famous franchise. The Mets are not. They are second class in the minds of many.
Miken31
The reality is, historically speaking, the Mets have been a bigger draw when they were good and the Yankees were not. So you can say what you want, but the facts are the Mets have been the most popular team in New York during the times that they were the better team. It hasn’t happened in a long time, but the history is what it is.
rct
“You don’t know who offered Ohtani what.”
Yes, we do. We know that the Mariners did not offer Ohtani anything significant.
metsin4
What does Soto care about what happened between 1920-1970s? He would prefer to make his own history.
Blackpink in the area
You asked him?
History matters. He didn’t grow up wanting to be a Met…..
Blue Baron
He didn’t necessarily grow up wanting to be a Yankee either.
And if free agents decided where to sign based on that, Bryce Harper wouldn’t be in Philly.
Blackpink in the area
I think he did grow up wanting to be a Yankee. And Harper is still trying to figure out why he’s a Philly……
metsin4
No he didn’t. He was a Robinson cano fan because they are from the same country.
metsin4
Did you ask him either? He would’ve signed with the Yankees already if he really wanted to be there. He has done nothing but say he’s going to the highest bidder.
Blackpink in the area
And who did Cano play for?
Lol well I think he did play for the Mets IIRC. But that probably wasn’t what drew Soto in. If I had to guess…….
Blackpink in the area
We will see dude. That’s what the contest is for i suppose. We will see.
JoeBrady
because they are from the same country.
======================
I’m from the same country as Canseco, but I don’t expect to be moving to Oakland any time soon.
all in the suit that you wear
I think Hal Steinbrenner would probably be happy to be slightly outbid by Cohen.
CravenMoorehead
I know Steve Cohen is probably still dissapointed after missing out on Yamamoto last free agency so he’s going into the Soto negotiations ready to throw around money like a Miami “yayo” kingpin from the 80s.
numberoneslayerfan
watch him give soto 1 billion, after taxes…
websoulsurfer
16 years/$1 billion with $500 million deferred until 2042 and paid in equal $31.25 million payments through 2057. Makes the AAV for CBT purposes around $41.5 million. I can see that. That would blow people’s minds.
metsin4
Great and that cap hit is for 33 years. Talk about permanently hamstringing an organization.
websoulsurfer
CBT hit is $41.5 million annually for 16 years. Just like Ohtani is $46.1 million for 10 years.
JoeBrady
That would blow people’s minds.
======================
Well, you just blew my mind. The thing is doable, hard as it is to believe. $41.5M is high, but not crazy.
16 years is probably way too long Paying him until age 42 is crazy. He could be out of baseball in half that time. But that could be tweaked by the deferral period. And he’d still only be 59 when the payments stopped.
And, of course, the “B” is intriguing. I’d like to see it done if only to see the caterwauling from those questioning our priorities.
JoeBrady
Great and that cap hit is for 33 years.
========================
The cap hit is determined by the number of years a player is contracted to play for.
websoulsurfer
Being out of baseball at 33 years old is highly improbable. It would be having him on the 26 and 40-man rosters until his age 41 season and paying him until he is 57, not 42.
I agree about wanting to see the caterwauling. Thinking about that makes me smile.
websoulsurfer
Like with Ohtani, its determined by when the money is paid. Ohtani has a CBT hit of $46.08 million even though he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract.
Captainmike1
As a Yankee fan I hope he goes to the Mets
all in the suit that you wear
I think I would be happy to avoid what this deal will likely be.
henrys
As a Nationals fan, I hope he goes to the Yankees.
websoulsurfer
As a Padres fan, I hope he goes to the Padres.
gbs42
I’ll be forever amazed at fans not wanting their team to pay top dollar for a top-3 hitter, and the only one of them available this winter.
JoeBrady
OTOH, I don’t understand the shiny object syndrome. Do you think SD fans are bemoaning the fact that Soto is gone? Not only do they have King and Cease (I know they added a couple of prospects) for another season, I don’t think they’d have made the playoffs this year had they kept Soto.
El Kabong
Yeah, screw shiny objects. The Red Sox lost shiny Mookie Betts but thankfully have Connor Wong.
websoulsurfer
Not bemoaning him being gone in 2024 but would be extremely happy if he was back in 2025.
JoeBrady
but would be extremely happy if he was back in 2025.
=======================
But at what price? Would you prefer Soto at $600M/15 or Merrill at $1M? Obviously Merrill, but the point being that every acquisition has a cost/benefit analysis behind it. If the RS had a choice between Soto at $42M or Snell + Eovaldi for $42M, I’m taking Snell/Evo without thinking twice.
websoulsurfer
There is no need to choose between Merrill and Soto. The Padres can have both. In 4-5 years the Padres may have to make some very difficult decisions but right now they can keep their Merrill and have their Soto too.
The Red Sox badly need starting pitching. Snell plus Eovaldi makes sense for them. The Padres have a hole in LF. There is no Snell/Eovaldi combo out there in FA to fill positions of need for the Padres.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
GBS42
If the fan thinks the same amount of money will be used to acquire many second tier players, they may conclude that is better for the chance to succeed.
The problem is that it is hard to compare spending $45 million per year for 13 years = $585 million
to say
Spending $60 million per year to get three different players for four years.
So, as a fan, you are looking at the opportunity cost of signing Soto and what you might otherwise use the money for.
The worst outcome from the perspective of many fans is the owners who just pocket the money for themselves. But say for a low budget team like the Marlins, spending the money on Soto would be a bad decision unless total spending is going way up.
So, essentially, if I was a fan, I would say that I would be happy to add Soto to my team if my team owner is going to consistently run a $200 million payroll, otherwise a hard pass.
Armaments216
Yeah, at least for fans of most teams other than the Mets, a decision to sign Soto seems like a decision not to spend that money on free agents to address other needs, or to extend a few young core stars, etc.
JoeBrady
That’s my point all along. And I would take it one step further. If $45M is Soto’s cost, and the Phillies could land, O’Neill, Fried and Scott for say $54M, they’d be much, much better off with the latter.
websoulsurfer
How many tickets will O’Neill, Fried, and Scott sell?
How many will signing Soto sell?
For the Phillies it probably wouldn’t make much difference. CBP was already pretty full. Maybe 100-150k more sold over a season. Same for my Padres.
For the Mets signing Soto could pack 1 million more in the seats and still not sell as many tickets as the Yankees, Phillies or Padres did last season.
For the Blue Jays maybe 600k more ticket sales. The Giants about the same.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Winning sells tickets more than names of former stars in their late 30s and early 40s.
Think for the present and the future.
websoulsurfer
Then its a great thing that Soto will be 26 next season and won’t be in his late 30s for more than a decade. That is one heck of a lot of extra tickets sold before he is that old star instead of the young superstar he is today.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I agree that Soto and Alonso might equal my four guys approach in years one through four, but I believe being able to reload every four to six years is a better strategy than a 14 year deal with a guy who may become a DH in the first 5 years of the deal. Winning games best sells tickets. I certainly expect Soto to stay as a top ten player in the game over the next 5-6 years. If it was an option to sign him for six years and $300 million, I’d be all in as a wealthy owner. The guy is a much better version of Joey Votto at the plate, not a Willie Mays or even a Fernando Tatis, in my opinion.
Ma4170
I keep thinking a team will offer a 11/517 type deal (47m aav) to satisfy his pride and the mlbpa, and then front load it with something like 180m over the first three years. But then give an opt out after year three. He would then be able to hit FA again at 29 if he chose to opt out of the remaining 8/337, which he would likely do if he continues his current production for three more years. And the team might be thankful that he chooses to opt out to get them off the hook for the remaining years.
Captainmike1
Ohtani had a MUCH BETTER offensive year than Soto did
People are confused when they say Soto walks on water
YankeesBleacherCreature
Soto is almost 3.5 years YOUNGER than Ohtani and has slightly better offensive stats than ARod through age 25. ARod also played in a higher offensive environment than today’s game. Ohtani is in his own league.
James Midway
Soto may actually be older than Ohtani.
gbs42
James, any evidence to back up your ridiculous claim?
James Midway
Gbs you probably believe Albert Pujols is as old as he says he is hahahaha
websoulsurfer
Ohtani is 4 years 112 days older than Soto.
30-125d
26-013d
In Ohtani’s age 25 seasons he had only 175 PA in 44 games due to injuries and a 79 OPS+ and 0.0 WAR as a hitter. In his age 26 season, he had a 157 OPS+ and 4.9 WAR as a hitter and 4.1 WAR as a pitcher.
ARod’s deal with the Rangers would be worth about $46 million AAV today.
YankeesBleacherCreature
4 years older!
Yankee Clipper
Not sure I agree with MUCH better. Better, yes, but not by much. If you include the postseason Soto batted better than Ohtani by the numbers this year.
Likewise, Judge was the best hitter in baseball.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Soto: .281/.389/.538, 160 AB
Ohtani: .230/.373/.393, 61 AB
El Kabong
Omitting the fact that Ohtani was hurt.
Yankee Clipper
Ohtani was not hurt for the postseason. He wasn’t even hurt for the entire World Series; it was game 2. That’s a cop out for his performance.
websoulsurfer
Ohtani being hurt was not something in his favor. That makes a player less valuable.
El Kabong
Sour grapes from you. Ohtani’s team won. Enjoy Soto playing someplace else. Maybe the Yankees can atone for his departure by bringing back Verdugo 🙂
YankeesBleacherCreature
@El Kabong Relax, man. Nobody is saying Soto is better complete player than Ohtani. It’s a small postseason sample size for Ohtani.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
YBC
Juan Soto Postseason 191 at-bats 11 homers 0.927 OPS
Kike Hernandez Postseason 259 at-bats 15 homers and 0.874 OPS and greater positional versatility
Randy Arozarena Postseason 113 at-bats 11 homers 1.104 OPS
Giancarlo Stanton Postseason 151 at-bats 18 homers, and 0.994 OPS
Nelson Cruz 187 ABs 18 homers .979 OPS
Yankee Clipper
El Kabong: It’s not sour grapes to list facts. I responded to an inaccurate comment that Ohtani is “MUCH BETTER” than Soto on offense, but the actual statistics prove he isn’t. You said it was because Ohtani was hurt, which was factually inaccurate.
What does that have to do with LA winning the World Series? And, what does that have to do with Soto playing for the Yankees, or any other team, next season?
Mech986TRtt
Ohtani now has World Series, NLCS, NLDS postseason Series victories on his resume and record. He played well in early series, got hurt in the World Series and wasn’t a big factor. He didn’t get any postseason MVP’s but he’s happy for his teammates Edman and Freeman who did. It’s a team game.
And he’s the odds on Favorite to win NL regular season MVP even as a DH. Oh, and yes, the ONLY member in history of the 50/50 club, finishing at 54 homers, 59 stolen bases, BA .310, 130 RBI’s, OPS 1.036.
Ohtani 2024 Postseason – 61 AB’s, BA .230, 14 hits, 14 runs, 3 HR, 10 RBI’s, 0 SB, OPS .767, 13 BB, 23 SO
1 WS Ring
Judge regular season had 58 homers and 10 stolen bases, .322 BA, 144 RBI’s, OPS 1.159
Presumptive AL MVP
Judge 2024 Postseason – 49 AB’s, BA .184, 8 runs, 9 hits, 3 HR, 9 RBI’s, 2 SB, OPS .752, 11 BB, 20 SO.
0 rings
Judge’s career postseason 86 strikeouts in 262 PA, that’s 33% of the time, BA .205
websoulsurfer
What was Ohtani’s age 25 season like? That is what Soto just finished and what you have to compare.
Ma4170
Why are we trying to compare the two anyway? As hitters, they’re very close. On the bases, ohtani is far superior. And ohtani when healthy is a top 15 mlb pitcher. He essentially got paid for being two players. Soto shouldnt make near what ohtani makes, even being four years younger. Plus ohtani brings in much more revenue.
websoulsurfer
Soto will make about what Ohtani does because he is 4 years younger, is a better hitter at 25 than Ohtani was, and because Ohtani did not pitch in 2024, and they knew he wouldn’t when he signed the contract.
Ma4170
They knew he wouldn’t pitch for one year, but he’s being paid as two players and is expected to pitch from here on out, that’s the point. And he excels at each. The four years doesn’t make up for the gaps, including the additional revenue Ohtani brings in. Any team that pays him close to Ohtani isn’t very bright imo.
websoulsurfer
The surgery to his non-throwing shoulder will stop him from working out his throwing arm for 3 months. By the time he gets to camp he will be far behind where pitchers normally are in their throwing program and he probably won’t pitch to start the 2025 season because of it.
He also will likely not hit as well as he did this season. We saw that from Ohtani in 2019 and then again in 2020 after having 2 injuries that effect hitting much less than an injury that requires surgery for a torn labrum in the shoulder.
Very few players, return from that surgery to hit as well as they did before the injury. Just 3 from 2002 to 2023. could Ohtani be #4? Definitely, but the odds are not in his favor.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Ohtani will have THREE MVPs and a ROY. Soto has zero of both. Soto is a top ten player and a top four hitter,
30 Parks
It’s going to be a Tom Hicks move from Cohen – overpay in the range of $600M over twelve.
rememberthecoop
But that is not an overpay compared to what Soto is going to get. Maybe from an AAV standpoint, sure. Soto will easily surpass 600M (albeit over more than 12 years, but that’s more for luxury tax reasons). I’m not saying he SHOULD get that much, just thinking with all the heavy hitters joining in this will be historic.
websoulsurfer
ARod’s AAV when he signed with the Rangers is the equivalent of $46 million in 2024 dollars.
Astros_fan_in_Aus
“He’s among the game’s very best players”
Correction
“He’s among the game’s very best hitters”
websoulsurfer
Soto’s WAR was 5th fWAR and 6th bWAR among all players, including pitchers. He is among the game’s very best players.
JackStrawb
Correct. WAR is one of those stats that cuts to the chase in Soto’s case. He’s Nolan Arenado or Freddie Freeman over their best 7 year stretches in overall value. He’s not quite as good as Joey Votto. He’s nowhere near the best players in the game, all of whom have had stretches where they put up `10 win seasons.
GarryHarris
“Juan Soto willing to move to 2B…”
whyhayzee
Well, it’s just shallow right field.
fred-3
Good luck for National League teams going forward not named the Dodgers, Mets, or Braves. It’s gonna be like the Cowboys, 49ers, Packers in the NFC in the 1990s.
Informed Sportsball Discussion
Except baseball is the least likely sport to have its results in real life line up with what’s on paper.
The Braves went one and done this year, and the Dbacks were the NL Champs last year.
But sure. Those franchises will remain the power houses.
Yankee Clipper
If the Yankees try to replace Soto’s production, even with multiple top-end players, it will fail. Cashman & Co are not capable of doing that type of roster construction despite what they tell everyone in the media. The only time Cashman was able to compensate for his poor roster building, he spent $300MM in the 2008 offseason, a la the LA Dodgers.
Heck, Cashman can’t even admit their weaknesses, which the Dodgers scouted ahead of time, and dismissed them as a “bad series.” Interesting, I didn’t know you could scout a team’s bad series ahead of time.
CravenMoorehead
Bad managing, poor basics (like fielding…see game 5), Judge once again disappearing in the postseason, ect…they were just a tire fire in that series. Was almost like they didn’t want to win. Looking back the Yankees game 4 win almost seems lucky (because it was).
dasit
how any yankee fan could root for soto to walk is beyond me. yes soto is a below average fielder so let’s spend less money to watch santander make soto look like clemente while striking out 160 times. spreading out the money is the free agent version of a bullpen game. there’s a big chance one of those pitchers/signings is going to be awful
YankeesBleacherCreature
It’s really wild to me when these fans gripe about player salaries. If Soto leaves, it’s not like the Yankees are suddenly going to lower YES, MLB.tv, ticket, concession, and merch costs for fans.
rememberthecoop
I agree Soto is a fantastic offensive player. That said, he’s not good defensively (although he was decent last season), doesn’t steal bags, etc., but all that aside his numbers are phenomenal. But I wonder how it is when you have a star like that in the clubhouse. You see many times when a player leaves that team wins despite losing that production. We saw it in DC when Soto left they won the WS. When A-Rod left, when the White Sox won in 2005, Big Hurt didn’t play. there are multiple examples. Point is, none of this matters because he’s going to get a historic contract. In the end I see him re-signing with the Yankees.
RodBecksBurnerAccount
rememberthecoop: You have a bad memory. Soto was on the World Series team in 2019 with the Nationals (you’re probably thinking of Harper).
A-Rod was on the 2009 World Series winning Yankees team (the last time they won) and was arguably their best hitter and wouldn’t have won it without him.
But yes, Frank Thomas was hurt in 2005 but they did have this guy named Paul Konerko at 1B.
johncoltrane
soto has career #s at citifield
if cohen gives him 600mil/13 yrs
its a done deal
lfg stevie
bring him to queens
MichaelMantle
Citifield is a larger ballpark. Rightfield is small at Yankee Stadium. I feel Soto defensively will have problems at Citi
websoulsurfer
But he will hit better with more HR.
baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/juan-soto-665…
Scroll down to Expected Home Runs by Park.
Kevin Michael Farrell
“The Mets have been expected to line up as one of Juan Soto’s primary suitors all winter
Winter doesn’t even start for another month and a half!
Blue Baron
Sure Kevin, just argue over semantics. Do you have an actual point?
Kevin Michael Farrell
If you’re a “Writer” and you can’t even get your story correctly, then you’re not a very good writer and I don’t take a lot of stock in your story!
Don'tBeDumb
“winter” means the space of time between the of world series and pitchers/catchers going to spring ball, which you and everyone knows, you’re just being pedantic for funsies.
“They said Liam Hendricks is gonna sign this winter, but he’s in Australia, it’s not even winter there ?!?! – BAD WRITERS!!!”
rememberthecoop
I thought it was a very well-written piece by Steve, and I’m a retired sportswriter. Soto probably won’t sign until after winter starts. But I’ve heard other writers refer to MLB’s offseason as “winter” so it’s a forgivable offense IMO.
Don'tBeDumb
It’s not just sportswriters, the entire baseball-loving-community calls it the winter.
Did you imply your opinion is more valid than anyone else here because you’re a “retired sportswriter”?
A writer with who starts a sentence with “but”? Please let me know if my questions are forgivable offenses in your opinion.
Blue Baron
Don’tBeDumb: Starting a sentence with “But” violates no rule of grammar or style.
It is common writing practice and has long been used in, for example, legal documents.
Not only is your question something that doesn’t need to be forgiven, it’s not even an offense.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Kevin
I think it is a nice observation/catch as to what is winter but it does not impugn the rest of the article but rather reflects some common parlance that is used inaccurately.
Skell 2
According to my Dominican age calculations, Soto is 29 years old.
gbs42
Skell, please provide a shred of evidence.
websoulsurfer
GBS, They think they are being funny.
heinie manush
Short porch Yankee Stadium has a magnetic attraction for LH power hitters.
Currently at 201 HR, 10 years in YS should yield another 400+ and still only 36 years old. HOF path assured.
websoulsurfer
baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/juan-soto-665…
1st look at his spray chart then scroll down to expected home runs by park
bcjd
12 years, $565mm.
$50mm per year for five years, with an opt-out at 4 and/or 5.
$45mm per year for years 6-12.
Team options for bargain rates on years 13 and 14.
SportsFan0000
Waiting for Scott Boros’s “mystery, unidentified bidder(s)” to emerge lmfao!
GarryHarris
Make something up like he will.
El Kabong
The Phillies’ payroll is a mess, but they will likely be a significant player in the Soto sweepstakes. It’s a player they really need.
Dmac13
If I’m the yankees I let him walk. He had a nice year but they didn’t win. Go spend 500 mill on 4 or 5 guys go get burnes, Santander, and 2-3 Impact relievers and sign a solid platoon 2b/3b type. Yankees have a hole a 1b, 2b, possibly 3b as judge should be back in right making Chisholm your CF and Dominguez your LF. Now you have Cabrera, peraza and DJL. I can see Ben rice having a role but this is NY .. need proven commodities
casualfan
I understand what you are saying, but heck if you can get Soto for 12/540, then that needs to be considered. He is an amazing hitter. Not the Trout or Judge level of generational talent, but he’s pretty darn close. I wouldn’t want my team spending that as they have shown to be miserly in the recent past and I know that would prevent them from signing anyone else for decent money for a long time. NY teams, LA and a few others are happy to spend, then keep on spending. Which is pretty great for their fans.
JackStrawb
An “amazing hitter,” yes, but not one of the best 4 position players in the game.
Chris 4597
Not only will the Mets offer the most money but they will also make the best/most impressive sales pitch, which will appeal to Soto.
We can talk about it, whatever, but rest assured, he’s going to be a Met for a long time, and with Cohen’s resources, and him being true to his sales pitch, there will be more whoppers in the coning years.
I don’t care who is on your team, it doesn’t guarantee anything in the playoffs, but as a Met fan, watching 162 games with Soto… VERY exciting.
El Kabong
Just make sure the pitch doesn’t include dinner at Cohen’s house. That didn’t work out well with Yamamoto.
Don'tBeDumb
So you imagine Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers because Steve Cohens wife overcooked a pot roast or something?
wifflemeister
Train wreck in the process right there
It’s horrific but you can’t help but look
websoulsurfer
Steve:
“Juan, the Mets are going to be contenders every year. We have a core that includes the best shortstop in baseball, I will spend to make sure we are in the hunt, and I went out and got one of the best POBO in the game to make sure the organization is built and run right so we can keep on winning year after year.”
“Scott, I know you are going to talk to other teams that can offer Juan a great deal, but whatever offers that you get, come back to me and I will beat it. I want to give Mets fans the best Christmas present possible and that is Juan. Let’s get this done.”
Rsox
I feel like this is the Mets game to lose. No big money commitments beyond Lindor (Nimmo and Senga aren’t that bad) so Cohen has lots of cash to play with. While the Yankees also have money, they have Judge, Cole, Rodon, and still three years of Stanton left to deal with and we don’t know what Hal is thinking in terms of resetting the luxury tax
GarryHarris
Cohen has learned some.
Diggerydoo
Good luck Mets fans. I hope it’s not another 2022 signing scenario and he lasts 1 year before someone gets fired.
bucsfan0004
I don’t understand why Soto would want to leave the Yankees for the Mets. If you go to a Reds game on a cold Tuesday in May and the Yankees are playing, its a full stadium and theyre mostly cheering for you. Conversely, if the Mets are playing, the stadium is 90% empty. Soto is a showman and it seems like he would prefer to play in full stadiums with everyone cheering for him. The Yankees have basically the crowd in their favor in every game not in Boston or Toronto.
mlbnyyfan
Obviously not a Mets fan but do they even need Soto?? They lost to LA because of pitching. The Mets lineup hate to admit it much better and more consistent than the Yankees. Go get Burnes and Snell and keep Alonso
websoulsurfer
How about go get the best FA hitter, starting pitcher, and reliever. Sign Soto, Snell, and Scott, and still have a payroll of only $282 million.
Then sign Estevez. Bring up Mauricio to play 3B, he was ready before the injury. Move Vientos to 1B. Trade some of the plethora of prospects to get another TOR starting pitcher..
They would still be under the last CBT line in the sand. The so called Cohen line.
If you think they have to put a toe over the line, sign Conforto to DH. 125-130 games of that bat in the lineup would be a nice addition. Or bring back JD Martinez.
Don'tBeDumb
Lmao this is so ridiculous. You could’ve stopped writing after “I don’t understand”.
Begamin
theres this thing called money and Cohen is willing to give Soto a lot of it
RustysWorld6986
I wouldn’t be surprised if Bor-Ass asking price will be in the 800 or 900 million range for Soto. If I’m Stearns, they will have to do a contract similar to Ohtani’s backlogged with opt-outs? Mets still have holes in there starting pitching and pen so they will need more the Soto to be competitive.
bravesfan
This is the only part I don’t love about the offseason news, especially when there is 1 player the media is determined to put hype around. We are going to be slammed with irrelevant news and long articles about information that’s quite irrelevant regardless if we are a fan of the team that is going after the player or not. Soto is a generational player, I agree with that, I’ll be fine with shorter bites of news like this if I have too, but really, who cares when and what owners visit him. We know who the players are, we just want to hear rumors as to where he’s leaning as to go. Knowing it’s a rumor
JoeBrady
We are going to be slammed with irrelevant news and long articles
===========================
I stumbled across a Politico article about Trump’s new chief of staff. It was late, and article was long. But it was well-written and I finished it.
The point being that I have a choice between reading it and not reading it.
dmbphils27
Maybe Middleton, Harper, Long, Turner and Schwarber can fly out to have dinner with him the next day.
yunieskyichiro
10/$1B to the Riyadh Drillers of the new MLB East initiative. You heard it here first.
beboplar
The Soto Sweepstakes, as his agent Boras refers to it, is all about…..Scott Boras. Soto is the product to enable Boras to restore a reputation that was spit upon last winter. He will keep Soto unsigned into January even though Soto seems to have a clear preference for the East coast and the choices go with the tune New York, New York.
It will be challenging for the Yankees to navigate the rest of the free agent market until the Soto $ are decided. That is a big ticket. Boras does this every off season. It backfired last year, but possibly MLB needs to step in with some signing date requirements to deal with him.
websoulsurfer
Boras lost one client and added 5. His reputation is still alive and well.
Soto has no clear preference for the East Coast and has said that clearly. He lives in the San Diego area in the offseason now. That and Boras Corporation being in Newport Beach is why teams are flying to California to meet with Soto.
Signing dates are something that has to be collectively bargained. If the union says no, the owners can’t do anything unilaterally.
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Rumor is:
Juan Soto is just interested in the joy of playing baseball. The money really doesn’t matter to him. He just loves the
game. It is his love, his joy, his passion, the reason why he exists.
As such, he has decided to ink a ONE YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE DETROIT TIGERS for $45M.
Sorry, Mr. Cohen, love is stronger than money.
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Sorry, Mr. Cohen, love is stronger than money. Love Wins!
The McNasty1
Soto = Generational talent…. Cohen wil pay whatever he needs to in order to get him.
LGM
Drasco0366
Imagine if the Nationals chose to re-sign Harper instead of Strasburg.
websoulsurfer
They get a generational talent that plays there for 13 years for $330 million instead of a one season and done $245 million man?
chemfinancing
Here we go if there is even a bad fit for Soto the Mets are one of them!! BAD FIT do ur typical work Cohen it’s not going to work out They need to prioritize pitching this off-season anyways
websoulsurfer
With all the contracts coming off the books the Mets can do both. Sign Soto and get pitching, Remember, there are also these things called trades.
The biggest tr0ll
And Cohen likes to trade aces…remember Scherzer and Verlander? I know they tanked last year but Cohen traded them to dig his own hole
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
I got a feeling Juan Soto will either be a Met or Dodger for the rest of his career.
CKinSTL
Soto is a great player and is going to get a big payday. He will have the opportunity to break the record for highest AAV and total guaranteed money in MLB.
That being said, some of the numbers being thrown around are whacky. 10 years $600 million? It’s difficult for me to imagine him breaking the AAV record, by a whopping 40%, on a long term deal.
jwt421
The WS was eye opening in the defensive difference between Mookie Betts and Juan Soto. Granted, Betts is a fantastic RF. But,I watched a tentative Soto come up short on a few fly balls that turned into hits and he seemed to have a hard time cutting off plays that turned singles into extra base hits. He’s not a good defensive player.
While this might seem petty, he also wasn’t going all out on ground balls during his ABs.. I don’t care in the regular season, but in the playoffs and especially in the WS, you have to be all out. Contrast this to Nimmo, who suffered from plantar fasciitis during the playoffs hustling down the 1B line in game six to beat out a hit. Or Freeman who was clearly hurt most of the playoffs.
I’m in the minority of Mets fans, but I think what the Mets will spend on Soto each year is better served by bringing in multple players to fill in holes. That said, if they do sign him, I suspect there will be multple opt-out opportunities for both sides.
JackStrawb
@jwt421 Well said. Besides, Soto will easily be the most overpaid player in the game throughout his new contract, given that to date tw0-thirds of his seasons are 5 WAR seasons, only exceeding that twice, at 7.1 and 7.9 WAR.
Meanwhile at their best Ohtani, Judge, Betts, and Trout were putting up 10 WAR seasons. Soto’s not in their league
bwmiller79
Pete Alonso is the heart and soul of the Mets, can’t even entertain a Soto signing without signing Alonso first even if Soto is the best hitter in baseball.
Papabueno
What about Soto at 1B instead of Alonso? Juan has to move to 1B/DH eventually. He’s not good in the OF.
mets1977
I see the Yankees keeping him in the end. If I were the Mets during this meeting I’d give them a framework of a deal: years, dollars, and other incentives. Determine a time frame for how long it will be good for. Don’t let it be like last year and be played by the top free agents. There are too many other ways to go and they don’t want to miss out on the other opportunities out there.
Papabueno
I’m a Nats fan, and would Love a Soto reunion, but there is no way the Lerners would pay Soto AND the other players needed to win another WS. We would have Soto and a mediocre roster around him for a decade or more.
No thanks.
TheFuzzofKing
The Dodgers and Ohtani didn’t do their dollar-a-year cheat to not sign Soto.
Soto in blue was written on the walk of fame before the first pitch of the 2024 season.
The biggest tr0ll
Honestly, whoever signs him should worry. He might be good the first few years, but at the price he’s demanding, overbuying him is not a good idea if he somehow falters or declines.
Nationals already won this one.
MLBTR needs to hire editors
You stink at writing, Adams. When “and” starts a sentence, it shouldn’t have a comma after it. “Meanwhile” can’t come in the middle of a sentence between commas. It has to START the sentence.